Berlin’s second-oldest school building stands before you: the Alte Dorfschule Rudow. This structure whispers tales of bygone eras. It is a red brick building with imposing gables. The style is called Neogothic.
The Alte Dorfschule Rudow was built around 1890. The growing population made the new building necessary. The school rooms in the Küsterei at Köpenicker Straße 187 were no longer sufficient. The Alte Dorfschule in Alt-Buckow was erected for the community.
Can you picture the children filing in? Imagine their eager faces ready to learn. The building served as a regular school until 2001.
In the early 1930s, even this school became too small. Another new school building was inaugurated on Köpenicker Straße in 1934. However, some classes continued to be held in the Alte Dorfschule.
After its time as a school, a new chapter began. The Kulturamt transformed the Alte Dorfschule Rudow into a cultural center. Soon, the historic building was filled with life again.
Today, the Alte Dorfschule Rudow thrives. The non-profit organization “Alte Dorfschule Rudow e.V.” manages the premises. The Volkshochschule, the Musikschule, and the Rudower Heimatverein also use it. The Heimatverein presents its exhibitions and historical lectures in the former gymnasium.
The association has been very successful. Over more than 20 years, the Alte Dorfschule has developed into a veritable cultural center. The association promotes local culture in Berlin-Rudow. It supports the community in cooperation with other cultural and social facilities. The basis is tolerance and international understanding.
The Alte Dorfschule hosts information and cultural events. It organizes exhibitions and vernissages for visual artists. It promotes the musical and creative development of children, adolescents and adults. The association supports culturally engaged groups in the association. It also offers educational opportunities with the Volkshochschule and Musikschule Neukölln. Last but not least, it maintains the listed Alte Dorfschule.
Are you interested in seeing an exhibition? From February 8 to March 2 2025, there is an exhibition by the Heimatverein Rudow. The topic is the Berlin Blockade 75 years ago. It’s open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free.
Perhaps you’d like to join a class. On Mondays, there are Kinderatelier sessions for children. On Tuesdays, you can try line dancing. The Rudower Tintenklexxer meet every second and fourth Tuesday. An Ateliergemeinschaft meets on Wednesday mornings. Their exhibitions are in the cafeteria. Wednesday afternoon is for open painting. The Literaturrunde Lesezeichen meets every second Wednesday. An aquarelle painting group meets on Thursdays. The Malgruppe Süd meets every other Thursday. On Fridays, there are Gropiusstädter Sonntagsmaler.
The Alte Dorfschule Rudow stands as a testament to community. It shows how a historic building can adapt and thrive. It binds learning, culture, and local life together.